Nissan Pathfinder vs Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
Overview
| Spec | Nissan PathfinderS | Volkswagen Atlas Cross SportSE |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | S | SE |
| Body style | SUV | SUV |
| Drivetrain | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Fuel type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| Transmission | 9-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Engine type | gas | gas |
| Model year | 2026 | 2026 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Nissan PathfinderS | Volkswagen Atlas Cross SportSE |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $37,500 (best) | $38,300 |
| Lowest listing price | — | $18,799 (best) |
| Median listing price | — | $18,799 (best) |
| Highest listing price | — | $18,799 (best) |
| For sale now | 0 | 1 (best) |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Nissan PathfinderS | Volkswagen Atlas Cross SportSE |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 23 MPG | 23 MPG |
| City MPG | 21 MPG (best) | 20 MPG |
| Highway MPG | 27 MPG | 27 MPG |
| Fuel tank | 18.5 gal | 18.6 gal (best) |
Performance
| Spec | Nissan PathfinderS | Volkswagen Atlas Cross SportSE |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 284 hp (best) | 269 hp |
| Torque | 259 lb-ft | 273 lb-ft (best) |
| Engine size | 3.5 L (best) | 2 L |
| Cylinders | V6 | I4 |
Size & capability
| Spec | Nissan PathfinderS | Volkswagen Atlas Cross SportSE |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 8 seats (best) | 5 seats |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Cargo volume | 80.5 cu ft (best) | 77.6 cu ft |
| Towing capacity | 3,500 lbs | 5,000 lbs (best) |
| Payload | 1,729 lbs (best) | 1,102 lbs |
| Curb weight | 4,334 lbs | 4,165 lbs (best) |
| Ground clearance | 7.1 in (best) | 6.3 in |
| Wheelbase | 114.2 in | 117.3 in (best) |
| Length | 197.7 in (best) | 195.6 in |
| Width | 77.9 in | 78.3 in (best) |
| Height | 70.9 in (best) | 68.1 in |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Nissan PathfinderS | Volkswagen Atlas Cross SportSE |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA overall | 5 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ |
| Frontal crash (driver) | 4 / 5 ★ | 4 / 5 ★ |
| Frontal crash (passenger) | 4 / 5 ★ | 4 / 5 ★ |
| Side crash (driver) | 5 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ |
| Side crash (passenger) | 5 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ |
| Side pole | 5 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ |
| Rollover | 4 / 5 ★ | 4 / 5 ★ |
| Open recalls (YMM scope) | None reported (best) | 2 |
Highlighted values indicate the better figure for that spec when a clear winner exists. Specs reflect the selected trim for each vehicle. Drag a vehicle header to reorder columns. MSRP and specifications are manufacturer data; listing prices and inventory come from live dealer listings. Safety ratings are from NHTSA.
Trim overview
All available trims with MSRP. The trim selected above is highlighted; comparison specs use that selection.
| Trim | Nissan Pathfinder | Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | S $37,500 MSRP(Currently comparing) | SE $38,300 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | S $39,500 MSRP | SE $40,200 MSRP |
| 3 | SV $39,900 MSRP | SE w/Technology $42,720 MSRP |
| 4 | SV $41,900 MSRP | SE w/Technology $44,620 MSRP |
| 5 | SL $42,590 MSRP | SEL $48,610 MSRP |
| 6 | SL $44,590 MSRP | SEL R-Line Black $50,560 MSRP |
| 7 | Rock Creek $45,090 MSRP | SEL Premium R-Line $53,620 MSRP |
| 8 | Platinum $49,790 MSRP | — |
| 9 | Platinum $51,790 MSRP | — |
Live inventory
Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport1 for sale
See all
Nissan Pathfinder vs Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport FAQ
- Which is better: 2026 Nissan Pathfinder or 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport?
- It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2026 Nissan Pathfinder vs 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport on MSRP, fuel economy, horsepower, seating, towing, NHTSA safety ratings, and live market prices so you can weigh the tradeoffs.
- Which costs less: 2026 Nissan Pathfinder or 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport?
- Based on starting MSRP, the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder starts lower at $37,500. Live Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport listings start at $18,799.
- Which has better startingMsrp: 2026 Nissan Pathfinder or 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport?
- The 2026 Nissan Pathfinder leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (37,500).
- Which has better horsepower: 2026 Nissan Pathfinder or 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport?
- The 2026 Nissan Pathfinder leads on horsepower in this comparison (295).
- Which has better seats: 2026 Nissan Pathfinder or 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport?
- The 2026 Nissan Pathfinder leads on seats in this comparison (8).
- Which has better maxTowingLbs: 2026 Nissan Pathfinder or 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport?
- The 2026 Nissan Pathfinder leads on maxTowingLbs in this comparison (6,000).
- How do the NHTSA safety ratings compare for 2026 Nissan Pathfinder vs 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport?
- NHTSA overall crash-test ratings in this comparison: Nissan Pathfinder (5/5 NHTSA overall); Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport (5/5 NHTSA overall).